Menlo Park Academy of Dance

For residents across the Bay Area with a passion for dance, or for parents looking to introduce their children to the art of movement, Menlo Park Academy of Dance stands as a true institution. With a rich history spanning over 70 years, this esteemed dance school has been a cornerstone of the Menlo Park community, fostering talent, building confidence, and instilling a lifelong love for dance in countless individuals. This comprehensive overview will delve into what makes Menlo Park Academy of Dance a standout choice, from its convenient location to its diverse curriculum and commitment to nurturing every student.

Menlo Park Academy of Dance is more than just a place to learn steps; it's a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to the art and discipline of dance. Founded in 1947 by Rose Ann Sayler, and now under the leadership of owner/director Sarah-Jane Measor since 2015 (who joined the faculty in 1992 and became co-owner in 2005), the Academy has continuously upheld its mission: "to provide excellent training and instill a love and appreciation of dance in students of all ages and abilities." They embrace students of all body shapes and sizes, a crucial aspect highlighted by satisfied customers, ensuring that dance is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Menlo Park Academy of Dance is conveniently located at 1163 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. This prime address places the studio right in the heart of Menlo Park, making it easily accessible for families and individuals not only from Menlo Park itself but also from surrounding communities such as Palo Alto, Atherton, Stanford, Redwood City, and even further up and down the Peninsula. The studio’s location on El Camino Real, a major thoroughfare, ensures straightforward navigation and reduces travel time for busy schedules.

In addition to their main office and Studio 1 at 1163 El Camino Real, Menlo Park Academy of Dance also operates Studios 2, 3, and 4 at 1137 El Camino Real, and Studios 5 and 6 at 3925 Bohannon Drive, Suite 200B. This multi-studio setup allows for a comprehensive class schedule and accommodates their wide range of programs. The central location in downtown Menlo Park also offers easy access to abundant parking and public transportation, a significant advantage for those commuting to and from classes. This accessibility contributes significantly to the studio’s popularity, making it a convenient choice for dance enthusiasts throughout the Bay Area.

Menlo Park Academy of Dance offers an extensive array of services, catering to dancers of all ages and skill levels, from recreational learners to those with pre-professional aspirations.

Services Offered:

• Classical Ballet: A core offering, MPAOD provides classical ballet instruction for all levels and ages, from four years to adults. They are a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) accredited school, offering the RAD syllabus and annual examinations, a testament to their high standards. They support both recreational students and those pursuing competitive or pre-professional paths.
• Pointe: Available for students who have achieved an Intermediate level of ballet technique, demonstrating control of turnout and strong physical readiness.
• Pre-Ballet: An introductory course for young children, fostering a love of music and dance in a fun, creative, and age-appropriate environment. It teaches basic ballet technique, music appreciation, and class decorum, and includes tumbling.
• Pre-Dance & Tap: An introductory course for young children that blends ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling through movement exercises, songs, and games. It focuses on basic technique, strength, coordination, and confidence.
• Lyrical: A contemporary dance style that fuses ballet and jazz techniques, emphasizing emotional expression through movement and musical interpretation. Students are encouraged to concurrently enroll in a ballet technique class for a strong foundation.
• Jazz: A dynamic and energetic dance style, popular in musical theater and music videos, incorporating leaps, kicks, jumps, and turns. It develops muscle isolation and body control. Students are strongly encouraged to be concurrently enrolled in a ballet technique class.
• Stretch Classes: These classes focus on flexibility and conditioning, designed to strengthen students’ technique, improve extension work, footwork, and overall flexibility, and provide tools for proper warm-up.
• Year-Round Classes: A consistent schedule of classes throughout the academic year, ensuring continuous progress for students.
• Summer and Winter Intensive Programs: Acclaimed intensive programs featuring workshops, classes, and lectures by special guest instructors, offering concentrated training opportunities.

Menlo Park Academy of Dance stands out due to several impressive features and highlights, reflecting its long-standing commitment to dance excellence and student well-being.

Features / Highlights:

• Decades of Excellence: With over 70 years in operation (since 1947), Menlo Park Academy of Dance has a deep-rooted history in the community, providing dance education longer than any other similar business in the area. This longevity speaks to its consistent quality and enduring relevance.
• Accredited Royal Academy School: MPAOD is an accredited Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) school and has been a recipient of the prestigious Solo Seal Award. This affiliation signifies a commitment to internationally recognized standards of classical ballet training.
• Inclusive Philosophy: The Academy actively "encourages dancers of all ages, shapes and skill levels" and is praised by customers for taking "all body shapes and sizes and teach you how to move," which is a crucial distinction from other schools. This inclusivity creates a welcoming environment for every student.
• Highly Accomplished and Caring Staff: Customer reviews consistently highlight "Amazing teachers and caring students." The faculty, led by Director Sarah-Jane Measor, are not only world-class professionals with extensive experience (including RAD Teaching Certificate with distinction) but also deeply passionate about nurturing each student's artistic instincts.
• Diverse Tracks for Students: The Academy offers various avenues for students to pursue their love of dance, including recreational, competitive, and pre-professional tracks, allowing individuals to tailor their dance journey to their aspirations.
• Official School of Menlowe Ballet: Menlo Park Academy of Dance is proud to be the official school of Menlowe Ballet, Menlo Park's only professional ballet company. This connection provides unique opportunities and inspiration for aspiring dancers.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The studios are described as "bright with high ceilings, natural light and hand-built, state-of-the-art, sprung dance floors," providing an optimal and safe environment for dance training.
• Community Focus: The Academy's mission extends to instilling a love and appreciation of dance in students, recognizing the joy and beauty that dance brings to lives and the world. Their 75th-anniversary celebration was a community-wide event, underscoring their local commitment.

For inquiries or to enroll, you can easily connect with Menlo Park Academy of Dance using the following contact details:

Contact Information:

Address: 1163 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA

Phone: (650) 323-5292

Mobile Phone: +1 650-323-5292

For locals in Menlo Park and across the California Bay Area, Menlo Park Academy of Dance represents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with the art of dance. Its exceptional longevity, spanning over seven decades, underscores its proven track record of excellence and adaptability. The Academy's commitment to classical ballet, complemented by diverse styles like jazz and lyrical, ensures a comprehensive and well-rounded dance education. What truly sets this studio apart for local users is its unwavering dedication to an inclusive and nurturing environment. As one reviewer put it, they "take all body shapes and sizes and teach you how to move," ensuring that every child and adult feels welcomed and empowered to explore their dance potential. This stands in stark contrast to some schools that may have more restrictive entry criteria. The highly experienced and caring instructors, the state-of-the-art facilities with sprung floors for safety, and the opportunity to pursue dance recreationally or pre-professionally, all contribute to making Menlo Park Academy of Dance an ideal choice. It’s a place where children can "have fun" while learning and where students are encouraged to "explore their artistic instincts and to fully realize the joy and beauty that the art of dance brings." For anyone in the Peninsula region looking for a reputable, supportive, and truly enriching dance experience, Menlo Park Academy of Dance is undoubtedly the local destination of choice.

Menlo Park Academy of Dance

1163 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA